The Most Indulgent Mudgee Glamping Spots

For those who love the great outdoors, just from a reasonable distance and with a little luxury, these stunning Mudgee glampsites are the best of both worlds.

Immersion in nature needn’t require a rough-and-ready entry. If you love the idea of syncing with the landscape but prefer to do so from a position of comfort, these incredible glamping spots nestled in the most draw-dropping locations of the Mudgee region will have you clicking ‘book’ in seconds. From the ultra-luxe to the laidback, and most with some kind of outdoor bathing set-up, these glampsites unzip the canvas to reveal a refined way to camp.

Evamor Valley

Best for: Cosy romance

Elevate the idea of camping at Evamor Valley , where their six luxury eco tents ensure you can immerse in nature from a comfortable and slightly pampered distance. Each adults-only tent is positioned to take in a different vantage of bushland beauty, from a misty sunrise to treescapes and the property’s dam.

sunrise at Evamor Valley — Elevate the idea of camping at Evamor Valley.

Settle on the deck to soak up the scents and sounds of nature or retreat within to relish the plush, king-size bed, generously proportioned ensuite and heating. Mudgee is only minutes away, but there’s plenty to occupy you on the 34-hectare farm, such as enjoying strolls by the river or dam and slipping into your outdoor hot tub for a little romance.

a book and a basket of goods at Evamor Valley — Settle on your deck for some tranquillity.

Address: 109 Tinja Lane, Mudgee

Hideaway Domes

Best for: Planet-aware escapes for two

A minimal footprint stay in a striking geodesic, solar-powered dome , this little ball of luxury is positioned for pondering the sky. If you’re after a couples retreat away from the intrusion of the daily hustle and bustle, this bush-set beauty places the endless and ever-changing horizon within reach.

Hideaway Domes in Mudgee under the starry night sky — Go stargazing from the comfort of your dome. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s no wifi or television, but who needs it when you have the pantomime of celestial beings above you and panoramic views wrapping around you. You will, however, find hot water in your private ensuite, a queen-size bed, kitchenette, indoor fireplace and outdoor fire-pit. Set on a 1000-acre property, ‘Belbourie’, you’ll feel away entirely from it all, but you’ll only be 15 minutes from Mudgee.

a look inside the luxury glamping accommodation at Hideaway Domes — Be surrounded by panoramic views at Hideaway Domes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Details are emailed upon booking.

Glenayr Farm Mudgee

Best for: Groups and families looking for a laidback farm stay

Set on an idyllic working sheep and cattle farm 25 minutes from Mudgee, a stay at Glenayr Farm in one of the four bell tents bridges the gap between camping and cabin. While the tents may not have all the amenity other glampsites do, they’re stylishly comfortable with queen beds and lovely linens, an outdoor table and hot water bottle, as well as other small luxuries.

a glamping tent in a foggy landscape at Glenayr Farm Mudgee — Glenayr Farm is stylishly comfortable. (Image: Glenayr Farm Mudgee)

You’re welcome to book one or all of the tents and share the communal area, which includes hot showers and change rooms, a modern kitchen, a lounge and games room, and a hot tub (for an additional $100). If your group spills out of the four tents, you can also book the bunkhouse, which sleeps up to 16 people.

luxury glamping on a sheep and cattle farm — Explore the property. (Image: Glenayr Farm Mudgee)

Address: 1257 Windeyer Road, Windeyer

Wildnest Farmstay

Best for: Rekindling romance under a big sky

Folded into the achingly beautiful Capertee Valley, which happens to be the widest canyon in the world, the glamping experience at Wildnest Farmstay enables guests to hastily abandon any tethers to daily life.

the glamping tent at Wildnest Farmstay — Wildnest Farmstay is where luxury meets camping.

It’s easy to do amid the astonishingly vast and sweeping landscape, as well as the country chic stylings of the tents that gaze beyond to the dramatic escarpment of Pantones Crown.

a close-up shot of the glamping tent at Wildnest Farmstay — Get closer to nature at Wildnest Farmstay.

Complete with a king-size bed, a slow-combustion fireplace, a bathroom, a kitchen, and an outdoor bathtub on the deck, it’s a diversion into nature gilt with a touch of bush luxury.

a woman relaxing in the tub while reading a book at Wildnest Farmstay — Spend the afternoon in the outdoor tub.

Address: 1800 Glen Davis Road, Capertree

Sierra Escape

Best for: Nature with a side of wellness

Balancing raw bush beauty with luxury, Sierra Escape invites guests to meditate on the magnanimity of nature while relishing creature comforts. Perched on a 113-hectare property, there’s ample room to roam the undulating paddocks before returning to your incredibly well-appointed safari tent.

Sierra Escape glamping tent in Mudgee — Balance raw bush beauty with luxury at Sierra Escape. (Image: Cameron D’Arcy)

Here, you’ll find an indoor and an outdoor bath, fireplace and fire pit, king-size bed and kitchenette. If you’d like to swing from nature to nurture, you can book an in-tent massage or, for more hedonistic pursuits, spend the day wine-tasting in the Mudgee region before returning to your deck to relish your favourite new bottle.

Sierra Escape outdoor bath in Mudgee — Soak in the stunning outdoor bath. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1345 Lower Piambong Road, Piambong

Bubbletent Australia

Best for: Stargazing

The double-XL beauty of the NSW landscape is ripe for ogling at the three domes of Bubbletent Australia . Called Leo, Virgo and Cancer, each tent is also lofty enough to feel as though you can almost touch the night sky. Bring the heavens into sharper focus with the telescope provided or, during the day, watch the wildlife of the Capertree Valley using the in-tent binoculars.

the Bubbletent Australia luxury glamping dome under the night sky in the Capertee Valley — Sleep under the stars in a bubbletent. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can star-gaze from the warmth of your cosy bed with the translucent tent offering 24-hour screenings of the sky. Each bubble is complete with an outdoor wood-fired bathtub and hot shower, a firepit and, happily, an inside toilet, but you’ll need to bring all your food and drink for your stay, including water.

a woman soaking in a tub with scenic views over the Capertee Valley — Take in the scenic views over the Capertee Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Details are emailed upon booking.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

The most indulgent Mudgee glamping spots